TRAVEL TRICKS and TIPS

[I owe this list in its original form to my parents. I have changed and added things, but be aware that it is still oriented to a mature couple traveling together. You will certainly want to modify it, but be aware that it stresses efficiency and limited space and weight.]

The following clothes and equipment are sufficient for overseas trips as long as one month. Do not assume you can pop down to the laundramat; they are rare, crowded, and very expensive. I've had people waste an entire afternoon trying to wash clothes. Surely that's not what you've come to PARIS for!? Pack stuff that can be hand washed. Everything listed can be packed in carry on baggage or stowed on the bodies of two companionable companions. We will check baggage but keep it carry-on sized! Why? Because there'll be no porters or skyhops. They're a hassle to person-handle through customs. They're ball-and-chains when you're trying to walk through loooooong subterranean Metro tunnels with many steps up and down. Limit yourself to ONE small, carry-on, soft-sided suitcase whose length, height, and width measurements total no more than 45 inches. The kind with a telescoping handle and wheels is ideal. And one shoulder-bag/purse/backpack. Yes, it can be done. Do it.

Note: these instructions assume a male/female pair of travelers. Modify according to your situation.

Use ONE flat suitcase to pack shirts, slacks, ties, etc.; ONE expandable suitcase to take odd objects such as shoes, hair dryer, etc.(That's one per person.) Look for the optimum size airlines will allow, plus the lightest weight possible. Use soft-sided luggage.

In addition, woman carries an average-sized purse/bag (soon to be loaded down with gum, passports, and other valuable trivia). Pick one with many zippered pockets and a leather strap. Men wear a satchel or small backpack. Don't be fussy---go for light. Beware of fanny packs, unless you wear them up front: they’re easy to pickpocket. Think in terms of carrying a pint of water with you as well as important documents.

When packing, use sandwich-size ziploc baggies for most of the following equipment. Once you have these baggies set up they can be kept "at the ready" for future trips.

ELECTRICAL BAGGIE:

You may need a foreign electrical converter and maybe transformer. France runs on 220-volt, 50-cycle current instead of our 110-volt, 60-cycle current. A converter will change the voltage but not the cycles, but the appliance will just run a little more slowly. Some compact hair-dryers and other electrical doo-dads have a switch to allow you to go back and forth. However, you will still need a plug adapter. In France you'll need the standard European plug with two, long, round prongs. (I’ve stopped taking a hair dryer; many hotels have them built in, and I only use them to dry clothes anyway. Forethought, a radiator, a string for a clothes line, and an inflatable coathanger are a lot lighter.) Share this equipment. If you need a transformer, you can probably borrow mine. Beware of plugging anything like a laptop computer or other expensive appliance before you’re sure you know what you’re doing.

OPTIONAL:

--- 6-ft. extension cord. (Rest of the world does not have beaucoup outlets like USA---well, not in OUR hotels!)

HOUSEKEEPING STUFF: Two baggies’ worth:

Small tube of Woolite

Twist-up cork puller (obviously optional)

2 or 4 plastic clothes pins to hang skirt, etc.

1/2 doz. paper clips

4 safety pins

Small (1"x2") sewing kit (needles, thread, thimble)

1/2 doz. rubber bands

Small roll of masking tape for emergency repairs and sealing bottles

IN ADDITION:

Three plastic inflatable hangers

Two extra purse-size kleenex packs

1/2 doz. small Wash and Dry packets

MEDICINE BAGGIE:

Special medicines for each person

1 doz. aspirin or reasonable facsimile

Corn plasters, 2 or 3, if uncertain about shoes

Decongestant tablets (e.g. Sudafed)

Antihistimine (e.g. Benadryl)

Diarrhea pills (Montezuma was everywhere, though the water is absolutely safe in France)

1/2 doz. bandaids

Small tube of antibiotic ointment

Two-ounce container of Mexana powder

Nail Clippers

LARGE BAGGIE FOR LAST MINUTE TOILETRIES:

Small container of hand cream (e.g. Nivea)

Small collapsible brush and small comb for Men

Comb and brush

Tooth brush "caps" and tooth brushes

Small tube of tooth paste

Two plastic throw-away razors

Travel size shampoo and conditioner SEALED WITH MASKING TAPE DURING FLIGHT TIMES

Nail scissors; nail file

Tweezers

Cosmetics

Deodorant

IN ADDITION:

Hair-dryer---convertible from 110 to 220 desirable (share one!)

Pocket calculator

Canvas/nylon duffle/tote bag (for return trip overflow)

OPTIONAL:

Camera and not too much film. (You’re your best judge, but be aware that film is very expensive in France.)

For laundry: 17" extension curtain rod that extends to 28" for drying handwashed clothes. This can be braced in a shower, if you have one, or some other ingenious place. Or take a sturdy cord.

Plastic drawstring bag for laundry.

Travel Guides: Either tear out the pages you know you will refer to and staple them together or xerox the pertinent ones and staple. Whole books are too heavy to cart around.

Small dictionary, if necessary---or possibly phrase book.

Small fold-up button-cell travel clock.

Small coin purse (or baggie) for money not in use (American or otherwise).

Lightweight collapsible umbrella.

Names and addresses of family and friends on one card.

Two Blue Books (as in exam blue books) for diary writing. They have plenty of room, are lightweight, foldable, and can be carried in purse or on person. Don't forget a pen and pencil for each person.

A security pouch that is worn under your clothes, next to your body for your passport, airplane ticket, and extra cash and/or traveler’s check.

If you carry credit cards, MAKE SURE you have copied the numbers and expiration dates along with the collect numbers (not 800 numbers you call if you’re in the States) to call if their lost or stolen. Store it away from your cards along with the numbers of your traveler’s checks.

CLOTHES:

Leave the heavy coats at home (or in the car at the airport). March is a rather dry month, but changeable. In Paris, it's really too early for Spring, but it's not South Dakota winter, either. Expect temps in the low to mid 50s during the day and low 40s at night. Evenings can be rather raw and in the 30s. Think rain and not snow. Remember, think practicality not high fashion. The French won't know that you're wearing the same outfit for the fourth or fifth time.

Both Man and Woman travel in jeans (or similar stuff that can stand up to serious travel)

Woman: light coat

Man: perhaps a bomber-type jacket that is weatherproof that will take a sweater underneath. Or suitable sports coat if you plan to go to the opera.

MAN:

1 good pair of pants and belt (maybe jeans belt will do)

5 shirts: wear one and pack 4 (or even three)

Socks: wear one pair and pack 4 (same as above)

Shoes: wear walking shoes on the plane;

Underwear: 5 changes (same as above).

A tie, if that’s your style.

Pajamas (We should have private baths and showers.)

WOMAN:

5 blouses or sweaters (wear one, pack 4) Bring long-sleeved shirts,etc. Even in warm seasons it is better to bring more long sleeves than short. Avoid the temptation to take anything white.

5 changes of underwear (1 slip max.) Wear one and pack 4.

Pack one good skirt or dressy slacks.

Wear walking shoes on the plane pack another pair only if absolutely necessary

Socks for walking shoes: 5 pair. Stockings? Stockings are easily available overseas, however.

Pack 2 small baggies that hold minimal jewelry.

Nighties

WHAT BOTH WEAR AND CARRY ON THE PLANE;

Walking shoes

Sweater and coat (or jacket) to be stowed above your seat.

Carry on Woman's large“purse”, Man's small tote bag. Or a small backpack.

In coat pockets each will carry a paperback book. Go for trashy books you can jettison overseas.

On Man's bod---Man wears money "pouch" inside---over undershirt. This belt is good for extra money, travelers' checks, and credit cards.

Wise Man say, "Take twice as much money; half as many clothes."

And: "Buy souvenirs that go flat in the bottom of your suitcase (museum prints, for example) or buy those that fit in the palm of your hand and be tucked in small corners of the suitcases."

Final words: Pack at least twice. Pack Swiss Army knife---which is indispensible for cutting cheese, sausage, bread, fruit and opening native French beverages --- in your checked baggage. What clothes you need, only you can decide. Remember that you can buy stuff over there, but it’s not cheap. Try to coordinate things so that everything goes with everything else. Avoid the temptation to dress formally; casual is the name of the game. By the third or fourth packing, you’ll fit everything, including a collapsible bag for return treasures, into that wheeled, soft-sided 45”(total dimensions) carry-on bag.

Travel notes:

Plan to sleep. Avoid caffeine. Don’t drink alcohol (or very little) on the flight. Do drink lots of water or juice. Consider not eating the rubber chicken and fasting until they wake you up at 7am and feed you breakfast (it will be about 1am body time). Similarly, don’t watch the movie. Invest in an inflatable neck pillow, a set of ear plugs, and an eye mask. Even dozing for those five hours or so will give you the strength to put in a full day, reset your bodyclock, and beat jetlag. If you’re the kind who says they can’t sleep on an airplane, then consider getting some Tylenol PM or Dramamine or Sominex or even something more powerful from your physician. We have a full day when we arrive.